Personalized Wardrobe Delivered to Your Door

Used to be that if you needed a cocktail dress for a wedding, or a new suit for a job interview, you faced a trip to the mall or local boutique. Or you’d have to wade through countless websites with no idea about what will fit or look good.

Shopping can be fun but, honestly, who has the time? Plus, let’s be honest: Some of us are just clueless when it comes to personal style. Do you know how to dress for your body type? Do you know what current fashion trends complement your personality? Having a personal stylist is a great idea, but how affordable is that? Well, thanks to the technology evolution, traditional ways of shopping have progressed. Websites, apps and even “alternative stores” have emerged, transforming shopping at brick-and-mortar stores into shopping from home (or wherever there is WiFi) with the benefit of a personal fashion advisor.

Cabi

Cabi brings a personal stylist into your home, where you and a group of your friends get to enjoy a “fashion experience” (best realized, perhaps, with wine and hors d’oeuvres). Viewing, touching, trying on, and buying clothes can now happen in the comfort of your own home, or “alternative store.” Think Tupperware parties — similar concept but all about fashionable clothing and accessories. If you would like to host a Cabi “fashion experience,” go to cabionline.com, register to host, and then a personal Cabi stylist will be paired with you based on location. Another perk: You yourself can become a Cabi stylist and receive rewards from items you sell.

MM.Lafleur

Feeling like your work wardrobe is drab, or getting tired of wearing black from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday? Log into MMLafleur.com and take a survey that will help a stylist personalize your choices. A Bento-type box consisting of four to six clothing pieces will be sent to your door. You then have four days to try everything on. If you love the piece, you purchase it. If you don’t, send it back. Shipping is free both directions. “We are not a subscription service,” said Caroline Noonan, marketing agent for MM.Lafleur. There is no cost to the consumer other than the items being purchased. Patrons can “re-Bento” as often as they would like. Your stylist keeps in mind items that have already been purchased and will help you build using these pieces.

Stitch Fix

Known for offering brand-name apparel for women and men, Stitch Fix pioneered the concept of selling fashion items selected by personal stylists. Yes, they have an app. Stitch Fix recently launched a line for plus-size women and already offer petite and maternity sizing. Need a “Fix”? Log on and take a style survey, an in-depth questionnaire to determine sizing and your preferences on fit, style and price. You also have the option of giving your stylist links to your social media accounts to determine items that fit best with your personality. Each Fix of five items will be shipped to your door. In three days, you determine what you want to purchase and send back what you don’t. Shipping is free in both directions. You schedule how often you would like the Fix to come: every two weeks, once a month, every other month or quarterly. With the shipment of each Fix, you will be charged a $20 styling fee, but this fee is a $20 credit applied to your purchase. If you decide to purchase all five items, you receive an additional 25 percent off.